Alexandria News Briefs
City In Search of Poet Laureate
The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts is in search of a Poet Laureate to promote an appreciation of poetry as an art form, promote creative writing and reading of literature, and promote literacy through poetry. The individual will serve as Poet Laureate for three years and receive a very modest annual honorarium.
Eight Poet Laureates have served in the role which publicly confirms the value of literary art and enhances the quality of life in Alexandria. The Poet Laureate serves as an official resource available to commemorate for present enjoyment, as well as posterity, the City’s history and historic events, installations, groundbreakings, and public dedications, as well as many of the City’s annual celebrations, parades, and cultural events.
The Poet Laureate brings poetic art to the City’s libraries and schools and serves as a bridge to the City’s diverse communities who might not otherwise be exposed to this cultural experience. In difficult times, the Poet Laureate offers appropriate words of reflection, inspiration and healing.
Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Nominees must distinguish themselves in the field of poetry through the body of work created; be a resident of the City for a minimum of one year and maintain residency through the three-year term of service; must accept the Poet Laureate post as a ceremonial role, which includes presentations of work appropriate for all audiences; and be 21 years of age or older.
The online submission deadline for the Poet Laureate is Jan. 10, 2025. To submit an application, click here. https://www.research.net/r/AlexandriaVA-PoetLaureate25-28
For additional information about the Poet Laureate and other literary programs, visit the Office of the Arts website: alexandriava.gov/Arts or email the Poet Laureate: poet@alexandriava.gov.
Insights from Guaranteed Income Pilot Program
The City of Alexandria’s guaranteed income pilot, Alexandria’s Recurring Income for Success and Equity (ARISE), shows promising results after its first year of implementation, according to Dr. AshLee Smith Playfair, the lead evaluator from Abt Global. Dr. Playfair presented key insights at an event hosted by the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and ACT for Alexandria, attended by elected officials and residents.
In 2021, the Alexandria City Council allocated $3 million dollars of American Rescue Plan Act funds for 170 Alexandria residents to receive $500 a month of unconditional cash for 24 months. The pilot has a research component to gather information on the impacts of the $500 on mental and physical health, housing, food, transportation, financial stability, labor market participation, and, when relevant, child outcomes. In the FY25 budget process, City Council approved an additional allocation of $550,000 to extend payments to participants through June 2025 for an additional five months.
Dr. Playfair's presentation highlighted the first-year results from a mixed-methods evaluation, which revealed several the following preliminary significant findings:
* Improved Mental Wellbeing: Participants in the ARISE pilot reported significantly more peaceful and stable home environments than those in the control group. Additionally, they expressed feeling more hopeful about the future, and reduction of financial stress, which improved their mental wellbeing. Participants reported feeling more patient with their children and were able to spend more time with them than control group members.
* Increased Financial Stability: The pilot demonstrated signs of improved financial stability for participants. Recipients noted greater control over their finances, reduced financial stress, and a greater ability to manage unexpected expenses, all contributing to their overall sense of security. Among ARISE participants, 1% reported living off their savings, compared to 6% of control group members.
* Empowerment: A notable insight was the impact of guaranteed income on participants' ability to balance their personal responsibilities. ARISE participants reported being able to work fewer hours, which allowed them to focus on family, education, and other important life activities. They also found time to focus on caregiving, entrepreneurship, and education.
As the ARISE pilot moves into its final six months, the City of Alexandria remains dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to reduce poverty and promote economic and racial equity for residents. The positive impact of the ARISE pilot on our community gives us hope for a brighter future.
Residents are encouraged to visit alexandriava.gov/ARISE to learn more about ARISE and access DCHS resources, see Abt Global's interim brief, and view videos featuring ARISE participant stories.
Roanoke Avenue Shooting Investigation
Dec. 26 at approximately 9:05 a.m., Alexandria Police were called to the 5400 block of Roanoke Avenue for the report of an injured man. Once on scene, officers located a 19-year-old outside, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital and is now in stable non-life-threatening condition. While officers were responding, another male was admitted to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The two men are known to each other and APD is investigating the connection.
This is an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Riley of the Criminal Investigations Division at 703-746-6225.
APD Makes Arrest in Wythe Street Shooting
At approximately 8:06 p.m. Dec. 22, Alexandria Police responded to the 300 block of Wythe Street for the report of a shooting that occurred inside a building. Officers located a 32-year-old man, an Alexandria resident, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The suspect, Davonte Lamar Keys, a 30-year-old man and resident of Alexandria was taken into custody and charged with felony malicious wounding. He is being held without bond.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the APD Det. Escobar at 703-746-6819.